MG5 naked from all corners
The MG5 is probably one of the more anticipated compact cars in 2012, the small car has already been seen a number of times on the great pages of China Car Times but this is the first time we’ve seen it in a color that actually suits the cars styling. The MG5 was reportedly designed in the UK at SAIC’s Technical Center but the cars styling does look overly ‘Asian‘ from the rear, hints of Subaru Impreza and Mazda3 hatch are floating around in there, the front end of course is signature MG and shares its looks with the MG3 and larger 6.
The MG5 shares its platform with the Roewe 350 which potentially means that the 5 will use torsion beam rear suspension which will be great fun for oversteer. On the launch the MG5 is due to come with a 1.5L unit to start with mated to a 5speed manual and 4speed automatic gearbox – yes a 4 speed auto. Apparently a later model will come with a 1.5T engine and also a dual clutch gearbox which was designed in partnership with GM, however the first model to gain the dual clutch tech will be the 2012 Roewe 550 which will launch in April this year along with the MG5 at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.
Overall, the MG5 is shaping up to be a handsome car but far from the mini hot hatch that we were initially expecting. Perhaps if MG installed either the 1.5T or the 1.8T from the start, then we would be more enthusiastic but 4speed 1.5L engined cars are ten a penny in the People’s Republic.
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Not bad but to compete in Europe it will need to be priced against Chevrolet and come with a KIA type warranty
Not that bad, but really does need that 1.5T or better to take it forward.
In silver it looks really good, but in purple its a little ‘meh’. This car needs a strong sig color like the MG6′s “Birmingham Orange”
Astonishing and Wonderful! Maybe my next car! Waiting for the 1.5 Turbo one
Here are pictures without the watermarks: http://car.autohome.com.cn/pic/series/532-1.html
The back looks like a smoother version of the old Daewoo / Chevvy / Buick Lacetti / Lacetti / Excelle hatch. Profile looks like a Mazda 2 (all good so far tbf) and the front …. well it is okay. Looks a hell of lot better than the MG3 which looks a bit crap. This looks good, like the 6. It is just a shame that the UK and Europe’s CO2 based tax means none of the engines will really appeal over here. Diesels and proper automatics (just buy one in from ZF or Aisin – I think they provide the 6 speed in the Mini) are needed. Good luck MG!
The rear bumper fascia is huge. A light rear impact may lay bare more than the designers intended.
This site has better photos. http://auto.163.com/12/0112/23/7NJST86300084K34_all.html#p1
What a disapointment! That car should never be badged MG but a Morris or an Austin. How this pooped out of the great looking MG5 concept car is a travesty. It’s completely awful as a hot hatch and not fit to share a road with a Giulitta or an Astra. Oh dear, never mind.
Looks like the next step for Chinese car makers on their road to the European markets are far better (=efficient) engines. The 184g CO2/km the MG6 has, is already a bad joke (despite the power), but somehow I expect this to be even worse. 150g/km for a 80 kW engine is my bet…
What a shame that this came from the concept. The front is too narrow, the back too bulbous and it has no cler design language. As for the engines, old fashioned, dirty and underpowered. Why would you buy this over a Korean car?
Stop producing these, at best mediocre, cars and concentrate on producing proper sports cars that befit the badge. Only then will MG be taken seriously. Especially in Europe and the US.
Need more shape line on the sides of the car and the boot as well, Rear lamp need LED light does not cost much but lift a lots of MG image? look at the Kia)